Abstract
The problem of defining mental disorders is examined and models to explain emotional disturbances are considered. Arguments against a sickness explanation are advanced, and definitions of mental health are reviewed. All of these concerns lead into a discussion of primary prevention. Sources of opposition to prevention efforts include those persons committed to organic models, to one-to-one intervention, and those who oppose social change efforts as inappropriate for mental health workers. An agenda for community change is proposed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Albee, G.W. Preventing psychopathology and promoting human potential.American Psychologist 1982,37 9, 1043–1050.
Albee, G.W. & Joffe, J.M. (Eds.).The issues. An overview of primary prevention. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1977.
Albee, G.W. Gordon, S. & Leitenberg, H. (Eds.).Fostering mature sexuality and preventing sexual problems. Hanover, NH: The University Press of New England, 1983.
American Psychological Association. Status report on the federal budget as it affects psychology and behavioral and social research, training and services. Washington, D.C., July 1, 1982.
Bond, L. & Joffe, J. (Eds.).Fostering infant and early childhood development. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1982.
Bond, L. & Rosen, J. (Eds.).Competence and coping during adulthood. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1980.
Bloom, B. The logic and urgency of primary prevention.Hospital and Community Psychiatry 1981,32 839–843.
Brandeis, L.D.The words of Justice Brandeis. S. Goldman (Ed.). New York: H. Shuman, 1953.
Brenner, M.H. Personal stability and economic security.Social Policy 1977,8 1, May–June, 2–4.
Cassel, J. The contribution of the social environment to host resistance.American Journal of Epidemiology 1976,104 107–123.
Clark, K.B.The pathos of power. New York: Harper and Row, 1974.
Cohen, N.Social work in the American tradition. New York: Dryden Press, 1958.
Gallup, G. (With William Proctor).Adventures in immortality. New York: McGraw Hill, 1982.
Galtung, J. A structural theory of imperialism.Journal of Peace Research 1971,13 81–94.
Galtung, J. Fourth Annual Chase Millenium Lecture. London School of Economics, 1981.
Jahoda, M.Current concepts of positive mental health. New York: Basic Books, 1958.
Joffe, J.M. Approaches to prevention of adverse developmental consequences of genetic and prenatal factors. In L. Bond & J.M. Joffe (Eds.)Facilitating infant and early childhood development. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1982.
Joffe, J.M. & Albee, G.W. (Eds.)Prevention through political action and social change. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1981.
Kent, M. & Rolf, J. (Eds.)Social competence in children. Hanover, NH: University Press of New England, 1979.
Kessler, M. & Albee, G. Primary prevention.Annual Review of Psychology 1975,26 557–591.
Kraepelin, E.Clinical psychiatry (6th ed.) New York: Macmillan, 1937.
Kris, E.Psychoanalytic exploration in art. New York: International Universities Press, 1952.
Lasswell, H. Must science serve political power?American Psychologist 1970,25 117–123.
Lukes, S.Power: A radical view. London: The Macmillan Press Ltd., 1974.
Maslow, A.Motivation and personality. New York: Harper, 1954.
Osgood, C.An alternative to war or surrender. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1960.
President's Commission on Mental Health.Report to the President. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1978.
Rosen, J.Direct analysis. New York: Grune and Stratton, 1953.
Ross, E.A.Sin and society. Boston: Houghton, 1907.
Sarbin, T.R. & Mancuso, J.C.Schizophrenia: Medical diagnosis or moral verdict? New York: Pergamon Press, 1980.
Skinner, B.F. Personal communication, August 1982.
Snyder, S.H.Madness and the brain. New York: McGraw Hill Book Co., 1974.
Szasz, T.The myth of mental illness: Foundations for a theory of personal conduct. New York: Hoeber and Harper, 1961.
Szasz, T.Schizophrenia: The sacred symbol of psychiatry. New York: Basic Books, 1976.
White, H., The forms of wildness; Archeology of an idea, In E. Dudley & M. Movak (Eds.),The wild man within. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1972, p. 3–38.
Windsor, P. Untitled lecture. London School of Economics, 1982.
Wootten, B.Social science and social pathology. London: Allen and Unwin, 1959/1978.
Zigler, E. & Phillips, L. Psychiatric diagnosis and symptomatology.Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology 1961,63 69–75.
Additional information
A shorter version of this paper was presented as the Maurice Brown Oration in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Australia in the Great Hall of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, September 24, 1982. Requests for reprints may be addressed to the author, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Albee, G.W. Psychopathology, prevention, and the just society. J Primary Prevent 4, 5–40 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01359083
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01359083